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Advocacy

Protecting and enhancing the hospitality industry.

 

Decades of Influence, Dedicated to Your Business Success

Decisions are made daily in Olympia and in local council chambers that can change the outlook for hospitality business owners and operators throughout our state. Your team of experienced public policy experts has spent decades building relationships with elected officials, regulatory agency staff, and other trade associations.  We know what it takes to influence the decisions that ultimately determine the business climate of Washington state. 

Connect with Lawmakers and Share Your Story

Our annual outreach tour is coming to a city near you. Join our Government Affairs Regional Meetings to hear the latest and tell your elected officials about the issues you’re facing.

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State Government Affairs

Your state government affairs team has more than 75 years of experience working with legislators and state agencies. The team works in Olympia full-time during the legislative session ensuring your voice is heard by lawmakers.

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Political Action Committee

The Washington Hospitality Association PAC gives our industry a powerful voice in Olympia. Every legislative session brings new proposals that can impact hospitality—from taxes and labor laws to regulations that affect your bottom line.

The PAC supports pro-hospitality candidates and policies that help restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses succeed. Your voluntary contribution ensures we stay strong, united, and influential where it matters most. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger group, your support helps protect the future of our industry.

If you are interested in donating, please reach out to StateGA@wahospitality.org.

 

Meet Your State Government Affairs Team

Andrea Reay – Bio
Director of Government Affairs
360-246-4496
Email Andrea

Sean DeWitz – Bio
State Government Affairs Manager
360-246-4532
Email Sean

Kerry Dolan – Bio
State Government Grassroots Coordinator
360-246-4497
Email Kerry

Local Government Affairs

Your local government affairs team works with our local chapters—the Seattle Restaurant Alliance, Seattle Hotel Association, and Spokane Chapter—to build relationships with local policymakers that give us a seat at the table when legislation is being developed that will affect employers, employees, and customers of our members.

Local Chapters

Political Action Committee

Seattle Hospitality for Progress is the political arm of the Seattle Hotel Association and Seattle Restaurant Alliance, which together represent thousands of small and large hospitality businesses that help our city and communities thrive.

Seattle Hospitality for Progress educates local candidates on issues facing the hospitality community and endorses and supports candidates in the city of Seattle by taking advantage of the diversity and breadth of Seattle’s hospitality sector. 

If you are interested in donating, please reach out to LocalGA@wahospitality.org. 

Meet Your Local GA Team

Austin Miller – Bio
Senior Manager, Local Government Affairs
206-465-2966
Email Austin

Skylar Schmitt – Bio
Senior Manager, Local & Federal Government Affairs
360-246-4505
Email Skylar

Derek Baziotis – Bio
Local Government Affairs Manager
360-246-4490
Email Derek

Jeff Gunn – Bio
Local Government Affairs Manager
360-246-4504
Email Jeff

Autumn Freund – Bio
Local Government Affairs Policy Manager
360-246-4502
Email Autumn

Federal Government Affairs

Our strong partnerships with our national associations—the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association—ensure Washington Hospitality Association members stay informed on all the latest news and policy developments from Washington, D.C.

National Associations

Meet Your Federal GA Team

Skylar Schmitt – Bio
Senior Manager, Local & Federal Government Affairs
360-246-4505
Email Skylar

Andrea Reay

Bio coming soon...

Sean DeWitz

Sean DeWitz joined the association in September 2024.

He has worked on local, state, and federal elections in nearly every political climate. He comes to the team after four years with Rep. Marilyn Strickland. In addition to the healthcare, education, public safety, and agriculture portfolios, Sean led the congresswoman’s small business and association portfolios. He worked alongside the business industry to roll out COVID-19 support such as the CARES Act and PPP loans.

He holds a B.A. in economics from the University of North Dakota, his home state.

Kerry Dolan

As a recent graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Kerry Dolan has used both her political science and global studies majors and Hispanic studies minor. After graduating, Kerry interned with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s district office, where she learned firsthand how an impactful congressional office operates.

As someone who understands the importance of having a global perspective in politics and is passionate about service work, Kerry also spent a year as an ELCA volunteer in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There she assisted an occupational therapist at a home for elderly folks and people with disabilities, facilitated an after-school leadership program, and created community events on behalf of a Lutheran congregation. After returning from her volunteer work, Kerry dove back into politics and worked on a congressional campaign.

Austin Miller

Austin Miller joined the association in March of 2021.

He brings a decade of experience working in government and political roles in the Seattle area. Prior to joining the association, Austin worked in several positions for the City of Seattle, including two mayors’ offices and the Department of Education and Early Learning.

He has also worked on a number of political campaigns, ranging from managing the 2014 preschool for all campaign in Seattle to serving on Sen. Maria Cantwell’s 2012 re-election campaign. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Washington.

Skylar Schmitt

Skylar Schmitt joined the association in June 2022. Since 2016, Skylar has worked on a variety of political campaigns in both field and finance consulting roles.

In 2020 she was the director of outreach for Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s successful campaign in Washington’s 10th Congressional District.

Most recently Skylar worked as a fundraising consultant for political campaigns and non-profits across the country.

She holds a B.A. in political science from Western Washington University.

Derek Baziotis

Derek joined the association in November 2023. He brings a unique blend of industry experience and public service to his role as Local Government Affairs Manager for the Spokane chapter of the Washington Hospitality Association. Raised in a family of restaurateurs, Derek worked at his parents’ restaurant throughout high school, gaining firsthand knowledge of the hospitality industry. Driven by a passion for culinary arts and service, he joined the U.S. Navy as a Culinary Specialist, where he honed his skills over four years.

After his service, Derek returned to Spokane to work alongside his family before fulfilling his dream of opening his own restaurant in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Derek served as Board Chair for the Spokane chapter, which deepened his interest in government affairs and its impact on the local hospitality industry. Inspired to make a difference, he transitioned to his current role, where he advocates for Spokane’s hospitality community and supports policies that foster growth and resilience.

Jeff Gunn

Jeff Gunn joined the association in April of 2025.

His professional background includes serving as a Legislative Assistant for the Spokane City Council, working on local campaigns, and most recently consulting on policy related to economic development and small business assistance.

He also served in the U.S. Navy and holds a B.A. in political science from Gonzaga University.

Autumn Freund

Autumn Freund joined the association in January of 2023. Autumn grew up in the hospitality industry, working as a cashier in her parents’ bakery in high school and then as a waitress in college.

In 2022, Autumn worked as an intern for State Senator Marko Liias of Washington’s 21st Legislative District.

She holds a B.A. in political science and geography from the University of Washington.

Skylar Schmitt

Skylar Schmitt joined the association in June 2022. Since 2016, Skylar has worked on a variety of political campaigns in both field and finance consulting roles.

In 2020 she was the director of outreach for Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s successful campaign in Washington’s 10th Congressional District.

Most recently Skylar worked as a fundraising consultant for political campaigns and non-profits across the country.

She holds a B.A. in political science from Western Washington University.